President John Dramani Mahama has announced his intention to participate in the Ghana Fashion Week event in July 2025.
The President made the surprise announcement during his speech at the national launch of the Black Star Experience program at the Freedom and Justice Monument at the Black Star Square in Accra on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
President Mahama, who attended the launch of the NDC’s flagship creative arts program with his children, Farida and Shahid, noted that he would join other models on the runway to display the beauty of Ghanaian fashion.
Addressing the attendees at the event, the President spoke about his fondness for Made in Ghana clothes. He stated that he had numerous locally made fashion outfits from Ghanaian fashion designers, including suits and kaftans he regularly wore for public functions.
“If you notice, I wear clothes made in Ghana. I have political suits all sewn by Ghanaian designers. Even if you see me wearing a suit, it is made in Ghana. So, on that day, I am going to go into my wardrobe, and I am going to change three times, and I am going to walk on the catwalk. Anytime I walk out, I will tell you which designer sewed that particular dress.”
President Mahama
President Mahama also announced that there would be various street carnivals held in Accra, Tamale, Kumasi, Ho and Takoradi as part of his administration’s efforts to engage the youth and boost the tourism sector in Ghana.
He also shared that an event dubbed “The Taste of Ghana” food fairs would also be held to showcase the numerous local foods enjoyed by many households across the country.
President Mahama’s announcement of his participation in the upcoming Accra Fashion Week event garnered positive reactions from Ghanaians, who praised him for his leadership skills.
“My people, Ghana now looks like heaven ooo. Free vibes from our President of Ghana ❤️❤️.”
Queen
“Visionary leader. May Allah bless you 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿.”
poyooyo01
“The Hope of the Youth. 💪.”
Nana Kay
Obaa
The Accra Fashion Week event in July would form part of the NDC’s flagship creative arts program, the Black Star Experience, aimed at redefining and affirming Ghanaian identity, attracting investments, creating new jobs, and increasing tourism.
The Black Stars Experience will involve a year-round celebration in all the major entertainment, artistic, and educational disciplines to establish Ghana as the gateway to Africa for the global diaspora.
President Mahama Bans Foreign Movies from Presidential Jet
President John Dramani Mahama reinstated a ban on screening foreign content aboard the presidential jet, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the Ghanaian film industry—a policy he first introduced during his previous administration
The President announced plans to revive an initiative from his previous administration, which prioritised showcasing Ghanaian films onboard the presidential aircraft.
“During my time in office in 2012, I insisted that only Ghanaian films be shown on the presidential jet. I intend to reinstate that directive.”
President Mahama
Reflecting on his days as a student at the University of Ghana, Legon, the President recalled how student theatre played a formative role in his appreciation for the performing arts.
“I remember as a young student in Legon, we had a small drama studio. Students had to perform choreographed pieces as part of their exams, and we had to pay to attend. Their African-inspired performances were beautiful.
“I asked then that we stop showing foreign films on the presidential jet and replace them with Ghanaian productions. The aircraft is currently out for servicing, but once it returns, I’ll direct that all foreign films be removed and replaced with Ghanaian content.”
President Mahama
President Mahama also recalled an amusing Kumawood film he had watched during his presidency, featuring popular actors LilWin and Van Vicker.
“I watched a hilarious film where armed robbers attacked Van Vicker. LilWin and his wife found him unconscious. When his wife asked who he was, LilWin responded that the man was a white man who had fallen from a plane. These films are entertaining. We have the talent here in Ghana.”
President Mahama
His remarks were met with cheers, as many industry stakeholders welcomed his vocal support for promoting and prioritising local content.
President Mahama Makes a Promise to Creative Industry
The President pledged to make Ghana’s creative industry more accessible and inclusive, promising to break down barriers and empower all citizens to take part in building a culturally rich country.
He called on Ghanaians to embrace their identity, celebrate their culture, and collaborate in creating a vibrant future for the arts and creative sectors.
Addressing a crowd of creatives, cultural leaders, and policymakers, President Mahama shared the vision of a future where artistic expression is no longer limited by bureaucracy or partnership. “As President, I’m going to open up the creative space for everyone, and once that door is opened, it should never be shut again,” he stated.
The President encouraged the creative community to bring forth their ideas, assuring them of an open-door policy that supports artistic freedom and collaboration.
“This is something we’re doing together, every single one of us. So, bring your ideas, your talent, and your energy. Let’s make this the beginning of something truly powerful.”
President Mahama
He further emphasized that the Black Star Experience will not be a political tool but a national legacy.
“This must outlive any government. Whether it’s NDC, NPP, CPP, or any other party, we are all Ghanaians. We are the Black Star, and we must all be proud of our culture and who we are.”
President Mahama
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